Have you ever heard of trains that run using water as fuel? The Indian Railways is set to launch its first hydrogen-powered train, powered by water, a game changer indeed. India will be the fifth country in the world to have hydrogen powered trains after Germany, France, Sweden and China. Salute to our brilliant engineers, scientists and workers for their indigenous concepts in shaping and materialize it into reality. We are really grateful to our central government especially “Ministry of Railways”, “Ministry of Science & Technology” & “Ministry of Finance” for their whole hearted support to introduce “Green Mission” in Indian Railways. Our honourable Prime Minister deserves special credit to make this mission a grand success. Manufactured by the “Integral Coach Factory” in Perambur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, the hydrogen train marks a significant innovation in Indian Railways' green initiatives. The first hydrogen powered train in India is scheduled to run on the “Jind-Sonipat Section” of the Northern Railway in Haryana by December 2024. So proud moment for all of us. Japan, South Korea, Australia, Italy and Spain also introducing this “Green concept” soon.
Countries like Germany have had commercial hydrogen trains since 2018, and they are powered by fuel cells that produce electricity from hydrogen with water vapour as the only byproduct. India will unveil its first hydrogen train on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana in a few days. The train, which is to be a major milestone for Indian railways, will cover a distance of 90 kilometers without any harmful emissions. Interestingly, it produces 60% less noise as well, as compared to other vehicles. The Indian Railways has plans to roll out 35 such trains across the country marking a transformative step toward eco-friendly rail travel. Running without diesel or electricity, this hydrogen train signifies a major milestone for Indian Railways in its journey to achieve 'Net Zero Carbon Emissions' by 2030. Undoubtedly, this is a step towards “Green India” mission. marking a historic shift in transportation technology. This train, which requires neither diesel nor electricity, is a major step toward sustainable and eco-friendly rail travel in India.
What are the specialties in Hydrogen train?
The train will have a maximum speed of 140 km/h. Its hydrogen fuel tank will allow it to travel up to 1,000 kilometers before refueling. The train will need around 40,000 liters of water to produce its fuel every hour. Each hydrogen train is manufactured at an estimated cost of Rs 80 crore. 35 hydrogen trains are expected to run across various routes by 2025. However, high operation costs can make hydrogen train tickets more expensive than regular trains. This new train uses hydrogen fuel cells that combine hydrogen with oxygen to generate electricity, powering its motors. The byproducts of this chemical reaction are only water and steam, resulting in zero emissions and a cleaner, quieter operation than diesel engines. Each fuel tank can carry enough hydrogen to power the train for up to 1,000 kilometers before refueling, making it feasible for extended routes. A 40,000-liter water tank, installed on top of the engine, supplies the hydrogen production system. As hydrogen is generated, it is combined with oxygen from the atmosphere to create the electricity needed to run the train, while a lithium battery stores any surplus energy.
This eco-friendly approach significantly reduces air pollution and noise, producing 60% less sound than conventional diesel engines. Indian Railways will construct dedicated water storage facilities to support the train's operation, as about 40,000 liters of water per hour is needed to sustain the chemical processes. Hydrogen-powered trains represent a cornerstone in Indian Railways' efforts to cut its carbon footprint. The trains eliminate harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, reducing the adverse impact on air quality. In addition to environmental benefits, they provide a quieter, more efficient journey without sacrificing passenger capacity or speed. The train emits only steam and water as byproducts, eliminating pollution. The train is designed to offer the same capacity to carry passengers as current trains.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railway and Kalka-Shimla Railway are other routes considered for the hydrogen train trial run. We are hopeful that in near future Sevok-Rongpo train service (which is now under construction) will also be considered for this green project.
Indian Railways is actively working on installing hydrogen fuel cells, setting up infrastructure and designing hydrogen plants. Each hydrogen train is estimated to cost around ?80 crore, showcasing the government’s commitment to modernizing railway systems. The hydrogen-powered train represents a significant milestone in the evolution of Indian Railways. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels and embracing green technology, India is poised to set new benchmarks in sustainable transportation.
(The writer is Professor of Chemistry, Sikkim Government College (NBBGC), Tadong, Gangtok. Views are personal. Email: bhaskargtk@yahoo.com)